Inflatable Water Mat with Motor Cut-Out for Pontoon Boats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water mats made of foam materials are difficult to roll up and stow aboard a boat, especially when wet, due to their large size and buoyant nature.
Innovation Solution
A pontoon boat design incorporating an inflatable mat with a flexible connecting sheet that can be easily deployed and stowed, featuring a cut-out to accommodate an outboard motor and detachable links for secure attachment to the boat, allowing for convenient storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If water mats are made of foam material with large buoyant area, then the mat can support substantial weight and hold multiple people, but the mat becomes difficult to roll up and stow aboard a boat when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foam to inflatable construction, allowing the mat to be deflated for easy storage while maintaining buoyant properties when inflated. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling the mat to support heavy weights when inflated but become compact and easy to store when deflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic state change capability where the mat can transition between inflated (usable) and deflated (storage) states. This dynamic property allows the mat to adapt between providing substantial weight support and being easily rolled up for stowage, eliminating the fixed compromise of foam materials.
2Area of stationary object
If water mats are made large rectangular shape, then the mat can provide substantial buoyant area to hold multiple people, but the mat becomes difficult to maneuver and store on a boat
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable mat provides a dynamic solution where the mat can be inflated to large rectangular shape for use, then deflated and folded into a compact form for storage. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between providing large buoyant area and ease of maneuverability during deployment and stowage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat can be divided into segments or folds when deflated, allowing it to be compacted into a manageable size for storage on boats, while maintaining the capability to form a large rectangular shape when inflated for use.
3Reliability
If water mats are connected to the boat, then the mat remains stable and prevents separation from the vessel, but the connection system adds complexity to the boat structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible connecting sheets or straps to attach the inflatable mat to the boat. These flexible connections provide secure attachment while maintaining simplicity, avoiding complex rigid connection systems. The flexible nature allows for easy adjustment and removal without adding significant structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The inflatable mat system enables easy deployment and stowage, providing a stable floating surface for multiple individuals while maintaining proximity to the boat, with secure attachment preventing separation from the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
Water mats, which are also known as, water pads, lily pads, or floating islands, are mats that float on the surface of a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A water mat for a boat and a boat. The boat may be a pontoon boat. The water mat may include a cut-out. The cut-out may be formed in a forward side of the water mat, with the forward side of the water mat is connected to the stern of the boat such that the outboard motor is positioned in the cut-out of the water mat. A flexible connecting sheet, that is configured to connect the water mat with the boat, may be attached to a connection side of the water mat and extend along the connection side of the water mat.